Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training Can Improve Menopausal Symptoms and Psychological Well-Being in Women with a Diagnosis of Primary Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Breast cancer survivors experience numerous chronic symptoms linked to autonomic dysfunction including anxiety, stress, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Effective non-pharmacological solutions to address these are currently lacking.

Methods

Our three-armed longitudinal randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of a 4-week remote smartphone-based heart rate variability biofeedback intervention which involved daily paced breathing at 6 breaths p/min; active (12 breaths p/min) and waitlist controls were included. Heart rate variability and self-reported cancer-related symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-, and 6 months-post intervention. Participants were 60 UK-based women with primary breast cancer history (6 to 60 months post-active treatment)

SUBMITTER: Dolgilevica K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11941165 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature